Two Leading Global Accounting Associations Announce Signature Research Program

ACCA and IMA to Collaborate on Futures-Related Research and Professional Resources

London and  Montvale, N.J.– Two of the world’s leading accounting bodies, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), today renewed their long-term commitment to their global strategic partnership with the announcement of a new multi-year “signature” research program, which will focus on futures-related topics. 

Beyond research reports, this new signature program also includes the development of a broader suite of output, learning resources, joint events and enhanced digital engagement. ACCA and IMA’s interest in a futures-focused program comes following the release of several well-received research reports, including “100 Drivers of Change,” “Big data: its power and perils,” and “Digital Darwinism: thriving in the face of technology change.” 

“ACCA is pleased to announce the next step of its successful strategic partnership with IMA, which has already reaped huge dividends for CFOs, aspiring finance and accounting professionals, and the profession at large,” said Helen Brand OBE, ACCA’s chief executive. “CFOs and their teams need to stay ahead of trends in order to make effective business decisions, and this new program intends to meet that need.”

According to Brand, futures research is an effective means of engaging senior leaders in business and finance, as well as academics and political decision makers. She adds: “This is particularly important as accountancy undergoes substantial changes. Having a vision of the future role of the accountant in business is a fundamental part of influencing the future trajectory of the profession.”

“IMA and ACCA have a shared commitment to serving the public interest and enhancing organizational capability, given the evolving and challenging role of the CFO team,” said Jeff Thomson, CMA, CAE, IMA president and CEO. “There is a market demand for research that’s actionable for management accountants. We are pleased to take on that charge.” 

Planning is in progress for the first new study under the signature program, which will offer predictive insights about the effects of social, mobile and cloud computing (SoMoClo). Future projects will include technology enablement, business intelligence, predictive analytics, and more.  

About ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. We support our 170,000 members and 436,000 students in 180 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. We work through a network of 91 offices and centres and more than 8,500 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through our public interest remit, we promote appropriate regulation of accounting and conduct relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence. www.accaglobal.com

About IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants)
IMA®, the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 70,000 members in 140 countries and 300 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its four global regions: The Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Middle East/Africa. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.

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